'SPIDER-MAN HOMECOMING' - REVIEW
Release Date: 7th of July (UK Release)
Directed By: Jon Watts
Written By: Jonathan Goldstein, John Francis Daley, Jon Watts, Christopher Ford, Chris Mckenna and Erik Sommers
Produced By: Kevin Feige and Amy Pascal
Starring: Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Jacob Batalon, Robert Downey Jr, Laura Harrier, Marisa Tomei and Jon Favreau
Distributed By: Sony Pictures Releasing
Almost ten years since Robert Downey Jr made a comeback for the ages in Marvel's maiden voyage for their cinematic universe in 'Iron Man', the franchise behemoth shows no signs of slowing at all despite dips in quality with some characters. Here however, one of Marvel's most iconic properties' standalone film marks a severe change of approach for the new wave of superhero cinematic outings of the future with the consequences of the Avengers fuelling the heart of this film.
After his brief yet lasting cameo in 2016's 'Civil War', Tom Holland's interpretation of the quippy Peter Parker and his web slinging alter ego finds himself waiting for the call from Tony Stark to officially join the ranks as an Avenger in between High School (The age old issue). Whilst wrestling with the everyday teenage problems; decathlon competitions, house parties, the upcoming homecoming and being immensely unpopular, Peter stumbles upon a series of robberies which seem to be utilising equipment crafted from alien technology sourced from previous Avengers battles. At the heart of these robberies is salvage worker turned crime boss Adrien Toomes (Keaton) who's drive for success could spell doom for Parker's city of Queens.
When it was finally announced that Spiderman would be joining the Marvel cinematic universe despite being a Sony property, trepidation was rife as this would mark the third representation of the comic book wall crawler in 15 years and Spider-Man fatigue was a high risk reaction given Marc Webb's lukewarm 2012 and 2014 releases. Not to mention the confirmation that the new films would focus on the youngest Peter Parker yet with a High School age Spider-Man at the heart of the story. With 'Homecoming' however, the direction taken by Watts marks a refreshing perspective on the titular character as we find him as a highly excitable and freakishly athletic teen still finding his feet both as a superhero and a student.
This is arguably one of the films strongest aspects as Watts is clearly drawing influence from the classic High School/ coming of age films. 'Feris Bueller's Day Off' and 'The Breakfast Club' in particular serve as a point of levity in between the inevitable bombastic CGI segments. Despite some references being a little on the nose at times (One aforementioned classic screening in the background of a particularly memorable chase sequence), the tone created certainly deems this new incarnation to be of merit and justifies this new take as part of Marvels mega franchise. 
With a plethora of new characters introduced in this first outing, the vibrancy and variation of character serves as a shot in the arm to those who've become saturated with the primarily white casting choices. A particular highlight is in Jacob Batalon's classic geeky sidekick Ned. Aspiring to be Peter's 'Guy in the Chair', Batalon's previous lack of acting experience is unrecognisable as Ned's gawky charm serves as a particular performance highlight. Not that any performance in show here is sub par, Holland as the titular Parker shows signs of becoming a fan favourite within the MCU, still bringing his goofy, teenage wonder alongside his more serious and imposing superhuman compadres. Another notable trope within this cinematic universe is its renowned lack of depth with it's villains, with a select few meriting intrigue. With the first on screen version of The Vulture, with many weird and wacky ways the character could have gone, Keaton's take makes for great watching. A third act reveal brings forth a new layer to the character as well as enhancing the stakes in the film in an unexpected way, with implications set for future films too, Adrien's modus operandi as the vulture gives this previous Birdman and Batman another winged menace to fear.
What separates Watt's vision from features past is his willingness to bring localise the scale of Spidey's outing with the third act not depending on an entire city being decimated and instead, focusing more on the coming of age element as Peter needs to make the transition from Spider-Boy to the iconic hero we all know. It's this break from the incessant world building and visible stink of desperation for even more superhero films to be made which adds further charm to what could have been a rushed mess, harming one of the most essential commodities of the Marvel train for good.
That said, there has yet to be a Marvel film which third act devolves into a heavily computer generated smackdown of sorts. Whilst the threat level may be localised to being close to Stark tower, the heavy amount of green screen work and severe lack of in camera effects makes for a third act climax with a minimal sense of threat and tension. The same could be said for the numerous action set pieces which seemingly fall flat with the realisation that there is no sense of realism to the threats Parker faces.
Given that the plans have been made clear for Holland's character for the foreseeable future, it's clear that the character is going nowhere. This incarnation certainly serves as a well needed combination of wit, light heartedness and character introductions which work to provide a concise standalone as well as providing a wealth of interesting new characters for the future. The Homecoming king has arrived, he's nerdy, strong willed and moral to the core. He's Spider-Man!
"If you're nothing without the suit, then you shouldn't have it" - Tony Stark
No comments:
Post a Comment